UAE international Al Shamsi also lauded those teammates who play a semi-professional level. “Our side includes a lot of foreigners who play as semi-professionals in the domestic Emirates Hockey League, and tonight they showed real character to win the game for us,” he said.

Earlier, the Belarus President’s Team began their title defence with a 6-1 triumph over the Old Timers from Germany in the opening game. Meanwhile, Slovenian side Stars overcame Jets of Czech Republic 8-5.

The annual club tournament ends on Saturday, with the final slated to be played at 8pm.